THE ROCKET
ising into the skies above Gold Coast City, The Rocket is a landmark building in every sense of the word, a gleaming manifestation of detailed urban plans by Robina’s developers, Robina Land Corporation (RLC) and Robina Projects Australia (RPA). “The Rocket is the first high rise in the area, and it is a distinguishing landmark. The fin up the Western side gets hit by the sun in the afternoon and shimmers, which with the dark double glazing which picks up reflected light, creates different images and reflections,” explained Robina Projects Australia Project Manager Lee Crisp. “It is innovative and unique and has created lots of discussion from people passing by as it reflects the light at different times of day from different positions. The double-glazed extensive window facade is unique to Gold Coast City.” The Rocket comprises 16 levels with floors one through 15 offering approximately 11,280m2 of premium commercial office space and a vibrant street level ground floor hosting 14 retail tenancies, including a convenience store, sales office, takeaway food outlet, personal services, restaurants and possibly a gym and day spa. “We have had a lot of enquiries from a wide variety of possible tenants. Our goal is to create a lively retail and restaurant precinct which is appealing for all the people who work or live in CBDRobina to visit for breakfast, lunch, coffee and evening dining. The precinct will also serve the Robina Stadium (Skilled Park) area,” said Lee. Given Robina’s dramatic backdrop of forested mountain hinterland, an adjoining lake and the sub-tropical lushness of the climate and vegetation, championing environmental sustainability in the built environment is logical. The Rocket is testament to RPA’s dedication to this goal, being the first Gold Coast City office development to achieve a Four Star Green Star Design rating. Another RPA commercial project, Campus Alpha, has since also been given a Four Star Green Star Design rating. Some of the Green ideas given form at The Rocket include the double glazed facade, a VRF (Variant Refrigerant Flow) air conditioning system, energy efficient lighting throughout, natural light penetration to 75 per cent of floor space, water re-use coupled with vast rainwater storage for irrigation, a bio-retention system for stormwater, facilities for cyclists including lockers, racks, change rooms and showers, and low VOC finishes throughout. Construction was carried out by the Gold Coast based construction firm, Glenzeil, who also constructed 38 Riverwalk for RLC. “The Gold Coast really needed a CBD, and RLC have developed CBDRobina to 188 QLD PROJECT FEATURE THE ROCKET
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION REVIEW